Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 review: Too much for too little

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From $799.99

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$799.99

$799.99

$799.99

$799.99

$799.99

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go 3 is right here, once more. Yep. It gives a 12th-gen Core processor, when the world is transferring on to 13th-gen or quickly 14th-gen chips. And that’s about all.

The Surface Laptop Go 3 is a price range laptop computer that busts your price range, with only a few enhancements in reminiscence capability and the processor to tempt you to open your pockets. Yes, that is nonetheless a compact 12-inch laptop computer, weighing about 2.5 kilos. But Microsoft has left this little laptop computer unchanged but once more — with its sub-1080p display, besides — whereas the world strikes on.

Looking for extra choices? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3: Configurations

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop lineup and Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go 3 are Microsoft’s mainstream laptops: the on a regular basis laptop computer and the price range providing, respectively. What’s new within the Surface Laptop Go 3 versus the Surface Laptop Go 2? Just a spec bump to a 12th-gen Intel Core chip, a slight transforming of the chassis materials, and a removing of the 4GB variant which hopefully nobody beforehand purchased.

The Surface Laptop Go 3 ships in two configurations for customers. One has a Core i5-1235U, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage. The different boasts 16GB of RAM, however in any other case an identical specs. The 8GB model prices $799.99 whereas the 16GB model prices $999.99. Microsoft additionally ships the Surface Laptop Go 3 in 4 shade choices (Ice Blue, Sandstone, Platinum, Sage), solely the Platinum choice permits you the selection between the 2 configurations.

Weirdly, there’s a cheaper different: the Surface Laptop Go 3 for Business, which swaps out the 256GB SSD for a 128GB UFS storage choice. The most cost-effective mannequin, a Core i5/8GB RAM/128GB UFS model, prices $749.99. Microsoft additionally sells enterprise variations of the 2 shopper fashions for $899.99 and $1,099.99, respectively. Here, Microsoft provides a $1,249.99 choice with 512GB of SSD storage, too.

Only the Business variants supply a alternative of working system (Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro.) Consumer variations ship with Windows 11 Home solely.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Surface Laptop Go 3: Specs

• Display: 12.4-inch (1536×1024, 148 PPI) 10-point multitouch PixelSense show
• Processor: Core i5-1235U
• Graphics: Iris Xe Graphics
• Memory:  8GB-16GB LPDDR4x (16GB as examined)
• Storage: 128GB (detachable UFS), 256/512GB (removeable SSD) (256GB as examined)
• Ports: 1 USB-C 3.2 (show and charging), 1 USB-A 3.1, Surface Connect, 3.5mm audio jack
• Camera: 720p f2.0 (user-facing)
• Battery: 39.7 watt-hours (design); 40.3Wh (precise)
• Wireless: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1
• Operating system: Windows 11 Home (shopper); Windows 11 Pro/Windows 10 Pro (enterprise)
• Dimensions (inches): 10.95 x 8.12 x 0.62 inches
• Weight: 2.49 kilos
• Chassis: Anodized aluminum, with a polycarbonate resin base (30 % post-consumer recycled content material)
• Colors: Ice Blue, Sandstone, Platinum, Sage
• Price: Beginning at $799 ($999.99 as examined)

The factor I like greatest in regards to the Surface Laptop Go 3, oddly, is its signature fingerprint reader. The Laptop Go sequence is the one considered one of Microsoft’s Surface units to make use of an built-in fingerprint reader, which is surrounded by a small white neon strip that invitations you to push it to get began. That’s a little bit of a misnomer, because it seems, because the Surface Laptop Go 3 begins its Windows 11 “out of the box experience” (OOBE) as quickly as you open the lid with none additional intervention.

Mark Hachman / IDG

For somebody new to the Surface Laptop Go 3, consider the laptop computer as Microsoft’s reply to the Chromebook. The lineup initially launched as a automobile for Windows 11 in S Mode, an working system Microsoft pivoted away from with out a lot shopper help. But the aesthetic stays: quite simple, streamlined, virtually boring. The concept is for Microsoft to ship a minimized Surface expertise — a problem when the value tag pushes into the higher finish of three figures.

What you possibly can say in regards to the Surface Laptop Go 3 is that it’s a really compact, light-weight clamshell laptop computer. But it’s practically precisely the identical expertise as the primary two Surface Laptop Gos, too. That’s good for consistency’s sake, however not for the suspicion that Microsoft is merely treading water.

Surface Laptop Go 3: Display and ports

Let’s reiterate considered one of this laptop computer’s weaker factors: the 1536×1024 show. On paper, it’s a tough promote: personally, I take a dim view of any Chromebook deals that supply lower than a 1080p (1920×1084) display, exactly as a result of so many aggressive choices present a higher-resolution display. Any display the place you must squint — I embody 30Hz shows on this — fatigues your eyes.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Since the Surface Laptop Go 3 accommodates the identical show and display dimensions as the unique Surface Laptop Go, I’ll refer you to the original Surface Laptop Go review for deeper scrutiny into how the display holds up in actual life. The backside line: Surface Laptop Go 3’s pixels-per-inch rely is similar to that of a price range 15-inch 1080p pocket book, similar to an Asus VivoBook. So whereas the display isn’t as detailed as I’d like, it’s not as dangerous because it seems on paper.

It’s additionally price noting that one factor that doesn’t seem on a typical listing of specs is the display brightness, which additionally impacts eyestrain. The Surface Laptop Go 3 places out about 344 nits, considerably above the 250-260 nits we think about to be comfy for on a regular basis, indoor use. The distinction ratio can also be 1,000:1, additionally a plus.

Otherwise, the Surface Laptop Go 2 is a conventional clamshell laptop computer, with a show that pushes again to about 45 levels or barely extra. Not all price range laptops present a touchscreen. The Surface Laptop Go 3 does, although it isn’t designed for inking.

I’ve since ditched my unique Surface Dock, however Microsoft’s high-speed, energy charging port did enable me to hook up with each an exterior 4K show and a 1080p show, each. The Surface Laptop Go 3 linked to a single 4K show utilizing a Thunderbolt dock (although a DisplayLink dock would supply higher outcomes, I’m certain). But that’s one other level to think about: you possibly can tether the Surface Laptop Go 3 and use an exterior show, as a substitute.

A powered dock may also permit you to go away the Surface Laptop Go’s 39W charger within the field. Unlike different Surface Laptop chargers (such because the Surface Laptop Studio) the small, light-weight charger doesn’t embody a USB-A port for charging exterior units.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Otherwise, the Surface Laptop Go 3 contains a typical USB-A port within the chassis for connecting a legacy gadget, similar to a mouse or printer. There is a pleasant little bonus right here: although the USB-A port places out simply 2.4W, the USB-C port places out a hefty 8.7W. That quantity of energy lets you fast-charge a smartphone, which seems like a characteristic most college students would need.

Surface Laptop Go 3: A persistently first rate keyboard

Microsoft has moved to a keyboard with a extra rubbery really feel, each when it comes to the coating and the keys and the way in which they cushion your fingers by the keystroke. These keys nonetheless supply 1.3mm of key journey, fairly normal for the Surface lineup lately. The keyboard is according to the standard Surface key structure, and never the up to date keyboard of the Surface Laptop Studio 2.

I just like the extra spacious palm rests of the bigger Surface keyboards, however you shouldn’t have something to actually complain about from a typing perspective. The keyboard isn’t backlit, nevertheless.

The trackpad is sort of good, really. Its clickable as much as the very prime areas of the trackpad, with a clean end that makes it simple to navigate. Really, most trackpads are uniformly good lately, however a constant strategy to high quality is appreciated.

Mark Hachman / IDG

And sure, the signature characteristic of the Surface Laptop Go 3 remains to be its fingerprint reader. As famous above, it stands out: not solely as the one gadget within the Surface lineup to make use of it, however as a result of the lighting attracts the attention. It’s a unusual reminder that the Surface Laptop Go 3 can have persona; it simply chooses to not. Don’t simply go too overboard; this isn’t the mole that makes Cindy Crawford who she is.

The one benefit of a fingerprint reader is consistency; folks’s fingerprints merely don’t change as readily as faces do with beards, make-up, completely different hairstyles and so forth. Over time, fingerprint readers can accumulate grime. Both are exhausting to check successfully in a brief evaluate interval. But Microsoft’s process for figuring out your self requires a number of (20 or so?) faucets to determine your identification, than a single faucet on subsequent logins to determine your self. A pleasant characteristic is that urgent the ability button with the proper fingerprint each powers on the Surface Laptop Go 3 in addition to logs you in.

Surface Laptop Go 3: Webcam and audio

Unfortunately, the Surface Laptop Go lineup, together with the most recent mannequin, by no means bought the memo that the world has moved on to 1080p webcams. Microsoft once more features a 720p user-facing digital camera that doesn’t embody depth capabilities. This seems like a cost-cutting measure, however an more and more pointless one in a world the place low-cost 1080p webcams are more and more widespread.

There is not any rear-facing digital camera, which isn’t notably uncommon.

I took pattern photographs with the Surface Laptop Go 3’s webcam. In good mild, the 720p webcam data a pleasant picture, with correct shade steadiness. But in dim mild (I partially drew the shades for the second shot) the webcam picture is grainy and never notably clear. You’re not going to look good in a dim room with the Surface Laptop Go 3.

The audio system contained in the Surface Laptop Go 3 are quiet, however clear. Having examined the Surface Laptop Studio 2 and its 4 loud, sturdy audio system, I used to be a bit shocked by how comparatively quiet the Laptop Go 3’s audio system are. You’ll want a quiet room in an effort to hear every little thing. Microsoft supplies a 3.5mm headphone jack if that’s not sufficient, nevertheless.

The Surface Laptop Go 3 additionally lacks the audio enhancements of its dearer cousins. There’s merely nothing in any respect to enhance the laptop computer’s sound, though Windows Sonic for Headphones is out there when you plug in a pair of headphones or earbuds. All informed, the Surface Laptop Go 3 follows the rule of laptop computer audio: one of the best aural expertise comes by utilizing headphones.

Surface Laptop Go 3: Performance

Unlike my preliminary expertise with the Surface Laptop Studio 2, the Surface Laptop Go 3 by no means felt notably laggy. Our evaluate unit shipped with a Core i5 and 16GB of RAM, which we normally think about to be the popular quantity of reminiscence inside a laptop computer. Though we didn’t check the 8GB mannequin, I’d say that quantity of reminiscence could be enough for a superb expertise; you’ll simply be capable to accomplish extra with the16GB mannequin.

The Surface Laptop Go 3 didn’t ship with the most recent Windows 11 22H2/23H2 updates, which can ultimately be often called the Windows 11 2023 Update. However, we obtain the most recent updates as a part of the laptop computer setup course of, so we acquired many of the replace save for Windows Copilot. It’s not clear whether or not that piece will arrive later, or if there’s some {hardware} limitation holding it again.

Though the fan noise is minimal, we discovered that the Surface Laptop Go 3 will throttle itself over time, slowing itself down so it received’t overheat. I’ll focus on what I discovered beneath. Remember, too, that the Surface Laptop Go 3 ships on the lowest energy/efficiency setting with the Windows 11 energy slider. Turning that as much as the very best, “Best performance” setting does enhance the efficiency, but it surely doesn’t transfer the needle that a lot, We’ve highlighted these outcomes with a black define in our efficiency charts, beneath.

The key tradeoff for evaluating the Surface Laptop Go 3 is the standard price-performance query, with Microsoft’s “Surface tax” connected. Microsoft has by no means merely tossed income to the wind and priced the Surface lineup really competitively; Microsoft at all times calls for extra money than its opponents do. This is very dangerous within the price range area, the place the Surface Laptop Go 3 performs… as do budget-minded opponents like Acer, and to a lesser extent Asus and HP.

Microsoft shipped the evaluate unit the corporate supplied at $999.99. The Laptop Go 3 additionally features a 12.4-inch display, which makes it each a small and dear laptop computer — a little bit of a rarity within the Windows world.

We selected to check the $999 Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 with the $799 Asus ZenBook 14X OLED, the $329 Acer Aspire 3 , the $499 Acer Aspire 5 15, the $899 Acer Aspire Vero (2023), and the $1,199 Acer Swift Go 16 — sure, Acer dominates the price range laptop computer market. Also think about the $895 MSI Thin GF63, a gaming laptop computer which we don’t examine straight.

We use 4 key assessments for evaluating efficiency: PCMark 10, which is an effective basic measure of on a regular basis efficiency from internet searching to mild gaming to CAD work; Cinebench R15, which measures how shortly the laptop computer’s CPU can full a job; and Handbrake, an open-source app and benchmark which transcodes video each as a measure of efficiency in addition to how nicely the laptop computer can thermally handle itself. The ultimate efficiency check, 3DMark, measures how nicely the laptop computer performs in 3D functions like gaming.

In PCMark 10, the Surface Laptop Go 3 falls to just about the underside of the heap. Only by turning the efficiency as much as most ranges does it partially redeem itself.

Mark Hachman / IDG

We use the Cinebench check to report how shortly the laptop computer can dash by a given job — on this case, rendering a picture.

We use an identical check, the R23 model, which might measure how briskly the laptop computer can render a extra complicated scene, and how shortly it renders that scene after being looped for ten minutes. In this manner we will inform if the laptop computer’s efficiency will drop over extended use. In this case, there’s a lower, however not a lot. Performance dropped from a rating of 5,552 to 5,199, a distinction of 6 %.

Mark Hachman / IDG

We carry out an identical check utilizing the Handbrake app, which transcodes a video over time. While it was a sensible job a number of years in the past, now it’s extra of a benchmark that additionally serves as a thermal stress check. Still, this check requires a for much longer time to finish.

Again, the Surface Laptop Go 3 didn’t actually shine.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Although its very uncertain that you’d use the Surface Laptop Go 3 for gaming, we’d count on any youngster to try to sneak in a sport of Roblox or Minecraft. If they do, they’ll discover, once more, common efficiency awaits.

Mark Hachman / IDG

We additionally use another check: battery life, the place set the laptop computer at a set brightness, then loop a 4K video time and again till the laptop computer runs out of battery. In this check, Microsoft normally performs nicely, and right here the Surface Laptop Go 3 lives as much as its status, primarily.

Note that the compact measurement of the Surface Laptop Go 3 does make it helpful for trains and planes, the place work area is at a premium.

Mark Hachman / IDG

Surface Laptop Go 3: Should you purchase it?

We don’t check an unlimited number of price range laptops, but it surely’s fairly clear that the Surface Laptop Go 3 is just too overpriced for what it gives. Consider the Asus ZenBook 14X OLED: the display is enormously higher at 2880×1800 (with an OLED besides), and that laptop computer clearly outperforms the Surface Laptop Go 3 in each side, even accounting for the extra reminiscence of the Surface Laptop Go 3. The Aspire Vero is closest, price-wise, and it does too.

By itself, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 isn’t that dangerous. But, comparatively, there are much better choices. Microsoft could need to rethink its technique right here; both compete on value or improve the Surface Laptop Go’s parts to supply some kind of benefit over the competitors. For now, there’s little cause to purchase it.